Community Forums

**Spdracr39** · 02-04-2020, 02:11 PM

A 1/2 ton gas truck will work fine for that TT. Bigger is almost always better but not always necessary or financially responsible.

allenb12 · 02-04-2020, 03:13 PM

I live in central Florida been out west towing in both gas and diesel. I made it jus fine with the gas rig. However their is no comparison. The diesel just is simpler. As long as I am towing I will not go back to gas. Diesel is more per gallon but I get better mileage with the diesel so it is a wash for me. DEF costs $8.00 for 2-1/2 gallons. I use about a gallon every 1,000 miles towing, so it is a minimal expense.

EyezOpen · 02-04-2020, 08:01 PM

On this topic and most importantly the weight your dealing with the Ford f150 with a 3.5 ecoboost wins the day. Over 6500/7000 lbs the 1/2 tons always have issues with managing weight..Think stopping and lateral sway...there is a reason for those old suspensions. Things to think about is the initial cost of the diesel...the DEF...the cost of diesel...any maintenance..diesels get really costly when that time comes.

There are some things that never get mentioned with the F150..keep your foot out of the turbocharger and your gas mileage will amaze you. A note here, one can and most do drive there 1/2 tons like a car...like a sports car simply because the f150 can and will accelerate like a sports car if asked to do so..Above and beyond that the power band is extremely low in a ecoboost meaning it will not downshift as much...or it does not have to rev way up to pull a grade and that can be annoying...Now if the Ford is not your favorite koolaid ...none of that matters.

Itchytoe · 02-04-2020, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeby5

Hey guys....
Getting ready to pick up a 24-25ft TT that weighs probably around 4500 empty.

Anyway...I plan on using this TT out west in the Rockies and such and I think I will need a vehicle with more power. My question is, should I get a diesel or is that overkill?

What do ya'll think? Thanks guys

I'm a huge fan of diesel trucks! Heck, I even like Ford's 6.4, which is a painfully uncommon opinion. Diesel just works better and lasts longer than gas. It's the way to go if you're hauling some weight, or going extremely far. Diesel makes this country work.

That being said, you don't need a diesel. Certainly not one of the big boy diesels in the 3/4 ton and bigger trucks. Maybe the little diesel they are putting in 1/2 tons if you really want to go that route. If I were in your place, I'd get a gas. Everything is simpler, and you can actually get into the engine bay to work on it if need be. I really don't think a diesel makes sense for you. You aren't pulling enough weight to justify it. Heck if you want a big truck, get a gas 3/4 ton. It will do everything you want it to and more. It'll laugh at that little trailer.

Homeby5 · 02-05-2020, 06:07 AM

Thanks guys!

aguablanco · 02-05-2020, 07:19 AM

I have towed my trailer, 24' 6000# wet, all over the inter-mountain west with a Chevy 1500 5.3 and lately a Ram Eco Diesel 1500 with absolutely no issues. I had the Chevy gasser when I bought the trailer and it towed acceptably. I didn't like the RPM's going up hills, even little ones, but the truck had no difficulty on anything less than 4%, it just wound up to ~3500 RPM. This prompted me to buy the Eco Diesel and it was an exponential leap in towing ability. Never above 2200 RPM and those 5%-6$ grades became much less stressful.

I never wanted a 3/4 ton as a daily driver and the Ram saved me from that purchase. While a 3/4 ton may tow better, so would a tractor trailer, but I don't see the need for a 3/4 for something weighing 6000#.

The differences between towing a boat, low profile and reasonably aerodynamic, and towing a trailer, high profile with sides that are literally sails and a nose that does not cut wind, are in no way comparable. Diesel or gas is your choice but just about any 1/2 ton truck will tow that trailer.
RichH

Gary RVRoamer · 02-06-2020, 07:09 AM

The diesel is great if you have additional needs that make it worthwhile or potential for a larger trailer in the future, but it's hardly necessary for the size of trailer you are talking about. A half ton gas engine truck will meet the immediate requirements nicely.

Cat320 · 02-06-2020, 08:25 AM

What Gary says is absolutely true. However a diesel will be a much more pleasant driving experience. Driving the Rockies that 1500 gasser will be screaming and sound like it's coming through the hood.

Jay D. · 02-06-2020, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

What Gary says is absolutely true. However a diesel will be a much more pleasant driving experience. Driving the Rockies that 1500 gasser will be screaming and sound like it's coming through the hood.

pleasant diving experience well maybe not so pleasant, after you've paid the huge price difference, the maintenance, the added fuel cost sometimes, the smell, and they are noisy. all for something you probably don't need.
Jay D.

Yosemite77 · 02-06-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay D.

pleasant diving experience well maybe not so pleasant, after you've paid the huge price difference, the maintenance, the added fuel cost sometimes, the smell, and they are noisy. all for something you probably don't need.

Jay D.

I’ll disagree with you in part. I put my 2 cents in for the OP earlier, so I won’t bother repeating that.
My Duramax is much quieter than other, older diesels I’ve heard. The smell isn’t anywhere near as bad either.

You’re right about the maintenance. Oil changes are more expensive. The fuel filter will also need to be changed occasionally. With a gasser I’d fill up just about anywhere. I’m more careful with the Duramax. Finally diesels do cost more up front. You will get some of that back when you sell.

For me, the driving experience in the mountains is where the diesel shines. I used to have a Suburban with the 8.1 big block. Great power, but tiring to drive due to the high rpms and gear changes. I never realized this until I had our 2018 truck. With the diesel you get much lower rpms, and plenty of power going uphill. Heading down a mountain is a breeze. With the exhaust brake I set the cruise control at the speed I want to maintain, and usually I don’t have to do a whole lot more other than use the cruise to bump the speed down when necessary. The biggest plus is that my wife, who is not a fan of driving in the mountains, is MUCH happier.

Diesels are one of those things where each individual has to decide if it’s right for their circumstances. More money? Yep! For me though, it’s totally worth it.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-06-2020, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

The diesel is great if you have additional needs that make it worthwhile or potential for a larger trailer in the future, but it's hardly necessary for the size of trailer you are talking about. A half ton gas engine truck will meet the immediate requirements nicely.

I agree w/Gary. For a brief period, we pulled a 25ft TT with a 2500HD gas Chevy. It was really more than the RV needed, but we knew we'd be upgrading the RV so we wanted the bigger truck. It would've been even more overkill for us to get a diesel. Never knew the TT was even back there. Plenty of power.

Lori-

Homeby5 · 02-07-2020, 12:53 PM

Thanks Guys,
After reading from everyone, I think I will keep my Ford E150 and use that the first time and see how she does. I would rather not buy another vehicle anyway.
Thanks again!!!

Billybobtx · 02-09-2020, 12:17 AM

I don't blame you for not wanting a different vehicle. At one point I priced used Dodge diesels. Wow. You will not find one with under 150k miles and still costly. Glad I went gasser.

Good Luck to you.

IC2 · 02-09-2020, 05:15 AM

A diesel is great - that is until you start adding the cost to own one into the equation:

$4 to $5000 adder for a '1/2' ton, $8-9000 for a 3/4 and up
$100 oil changes vs $30.
$100 fuel filter changes vs $12
Occasional EGR coolers at $1000 depending on how you drive it
$12 jugs of DEF every 2-3000 miles
Diesel fuel costs in my area ~.50 more/gallon and every corner gas station wont have it.
Yhen there is that 30-40 quart cooling system that needs attention occasionally vs the 12-18 quart

Yes, a DIY will save a few bucks on the maintenance.

Bragging rights??? Nah.

For a 4500 pound trailer, all you need is a 1/2 T with a trailer package for capacity. If you plan on upgrading your TT to a 5er or even a very large TT, then maybe a 3/4 T and a diesel woulld be a good choice.